Want to hike the entire Appalachian Trail?

I recently joined the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (I hike enough on it to give back a little, and I'm a sucker for non-profits who send me free labels!) and was exploring their site today. Josh and I have been talking about hiking the entire trail for some time now -- I think it would be such an amazing adventure. I had never even heard of this great accomplishment till I met Josh, an avid hiker.

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.786999/k.548/ThruHiking.htm

We'd have to come up the money to do it -- and I really want to someday. 2000 miles! What aching feet I imagine.

I think I'd miss my comfy bed though. And I'd have to learn not to hate hiking in the rain!

The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

In my endless quest to find my labor of love, I picked up a book called "Finding your North Star" the other day by Martha Beck, a life coach and career counselor. One of her other books is called "The Joy Diet" and gives 10 guidelines to follow in order to enhance your life.

Nothing: Do nothing for fifteen minutes a day. Stop mindlessly chasing goals and figure out which goals are worth going after.

Truth: Create a moment of truth to help you unmask what you're hiding-from others and from yourself.

Desire: Identify, articulate, and explore at least one of your heart's desires-and learn how to let yourself want what you want.

Creativity: Learn six new ways to develop at least one new idea to help you obtain your heart's desire.

Risk: Take one baby step toward reaching your goal. The only rule is that it has to scare the pants off you.

Treats: Give yourself a treat for every risk you take, and two treats just because you're you. No exceptions. No excuses. (This would have to include ice cream for me)

Play: Take a moment to remember your real life's work and differentiate it from the games you play to achieve it. Then play wholeheartedly.

Laughter: Laugh at least thirty times a day. Props encouraged.

Connection: Use your Joy Diet skills to interact with someone who matters to you.

Feasting: Enjoy at least three square feasts a day, with or without food.

Something for Free

I went to Borders the other day to purchase a San Francisco guide, and while I was checking out the cashier asked me if I wanted a free bracelet. It resembled one that of the Livestrong inititative, so I said SURE! And I walked away from Borders in such a GOOD mood b/c I had just gotten something for FREE!!!!

Which got me thinking,

Why are so few things in life free?

Oh right, the important stuff is free -- advice, love, friendship, etcetc. But we all know there's no such thing as a "free lunch."

I looked at the bracelet and thought about wearing it. It's purple and has "Reading is Magic" written around it.

I'll pass.

VEGAS!

The Vegas trip was awesome, I had a great time. The best part was the company -- the gals from high school. Angel, Jill, Casey and Melissa. We got there Thursday night and went to Harrah's where I saw my first Elvis! We danced and gambled.

I only lost 30 bucks or so on the slots, but gambling really did feel like I was throwing my money in the toilet. So much for beginner's luck!

Vegas is everything that is wrong with America, but that is what makes it fun! It's overstimulating. It's over-the-top. It's dry. Women are outnumbered 20 to 1 (or so it felt in Club Pure at least) and then men are more aggressive than usual.

Vegas is Disney World for adults. Instead of stuffed animals there are strippers to buy for the night. Instead of happyland rides, there are clubs with booze.

We slept in, went shopping, went out to eat, went out at night to drink and party. Some of the highlights were a fancy dinner out at Drai's and the Comedy show where the opening act was from Philadelphia!

It was a good old-fashioned girls weekend! Can't wait for the next one :)

San Francisco!

We're headed to San Francisco, CA from Oct 22- Oct 25. I'm so excited! I haven't been to CA since I was a little girl. We'll see my Aunt Coni and Aunt Lou, along with a bunch of Josh's friends who live out there. I was checking out this website for things to check out while I'm there:

http://onlysf.sfvisitor.org/what_to_do/

San Fran has so much to offer! I have a feeling I'm not going to want to leave.

TWO DAYS TILL VEGAS!